Interactive television targeted message system

ABSTRACT

An interactive television system is provided in which targeted messages may be sent to users. The interactive television system may use an interactive television program guide or other interactive applications to provide interactive television services to users. An e-mail or other messaging application may be used to receive the messages. The messaging application may be separate from the program guide or other interactive television application or may be part of the program guide or other interactive television application. Messages may be targeted based on the television channels to which the user subscribes or based on which settings the user has established in the program guide or other application or based on any other suitable criteria.

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/042,820, filed on Jan. 25, 2005, which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 09/717,729, filed on Nov. 21, 2000, whichclaimed the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application No.60/167,184, filed Nov. 23, 1999.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to distributing and using electronic messages inan interactive television environment.

Interactive television applications such as program guides are wellknown. Such guides, which are typically implemented on set-top boxes,allow users to view television program listings on their hometelevisions. Typical program guides allow users to view information fortelevision programs and channels and audio programs and channels. Forexample, a program guide may provide information on regular televisionchannels, premium television channels, pay-per-view television channels,and music channels. A variety of display formats are typicallysupported. For example, program listings may be organized by time, bychannel, and by category (sports, children, comedy, movies, etc.).

Other interactive television applications include e-mail readers, webbrowsers, video-on-demand applications, home banking applications, homeshopping applications, etc.

Program guides typically receive program schedule data from a centralsource. Various data distribution schemes may be used. In one suitabledistribution scheme, a global set of program schedule data istransmitted nationwide to numerous cable systems. Each cable systemtypically has a different channel lineup.

As a result, the global set of program schedule data that is provided bythe central source includes data for all cable systems. The globalprogram schedule data may be filtered so that only an appropriate subsetof the data is delivered to each subscriber.

The central program guide data source may distribute messages to allsubscribers in a particular cable system. Cable operators may alsocommunicate with their subscribers using messages. For example, a cableoperator may send a message to a subscriber who has not paid their lastbill.

It has not been possible, however, to use existing systems to delivermessages to particular subscribers that are targeted based on criteriasuch as subscriber-defined program guide settings or the channels towhich the subscriber has subscribed.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide targetedmessaging systems for television service subscribers in a cabletelevision system, satellite television system, broadcast televisionsystem, or the like.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, an interactive televisionsystem is provided. Television programming is delivered to users withequipment such as television equipment based on set-top boxes or thelike or computer equipment. The system provides targeted messages to theusers at such user equipment.

Interactive television applications such as program guides, interactivemessaging applications (e.g., e-mail readers), web browsers, and othersuch applications may be implemented using the user equipment.Applications may be run locally (e.g., on a set-top box or personalcomputer) or may use a client-server architecture (e.g., an arrangementin which a set-top box or other platform acts as a client processor andgenerates requests for data from a server processor such as a servercomputer located at a cable system headend or a server computer locatedon the Internet).

Program guides based on set-top box systems may be provided that displaytelevision, messages, menu options, and various program guide displayscreens on a monitor (e.g., a television) that is connected to theset-top box.

Messages, which may be e-mail or other subscriber messages, may betargeted to a user based on which television programming and otherservices are available in the user's home. For example, an interactivetelevision application provider or other service provider may send amessage to all users (e.g., all program guide users) who have or who donot have a specific channel in their local lineup or who have or whohave not subscribed to a particular channel or other service. Messagesmay also be sent to all users who have or who have not set a reminderfor a specific program or other content, who have or who have notscheduled a specific program or other content for recording, or who haveor who have not selected a specific program, channel, or other contentas a favorite. If desired, messages may be sent to all users who have orwho have not ordered specific products or services, (e.g., a specificpay-per-view (PPV) program, a specific package of pay-per-view programs,video-on-demand, a specific product, etc.). Messages may be targetedbased on parental control settings. Any suitable combination of thesecriteria or other suitable criteria may be used.

As an example, a message may be targeted to those users who have or whohave not subscribed to or ordered a particular set of channels or anychannel in a set of channels.

The messages may be used by a program guide or other application to sendprogramming-related messages such as last minute schedule changes toonly those users who might be interested. Users who do not subscribe tothe affected service need not be notified of such changes.

If desired, messages may be distributed by a cable provider orprogrammer (to a program guide or independent of any program guide) totarget messages to users who are interested in a particular program orwho do not have access to certain programming and hence might bepotential customers.

Messages may be distributed to user television equipment and usercomputer equipment from a computer at a main facility such as a programguide data source facility. Messages may be distributed through aplurality of television distribution facilities (e.g., cable systemheadends or the like). Messages may also be distributed to set-top boxesfrom equipment at the television distribution facilities.

Messages may be provided with targeting criteria. For example, messagesmay be tagged with a unique identifier (ID) or a list of unique IDsassociated with the referenced program(s) or channel(s). As an example,to target a message only to Home Box Office (HBO) subscribers, themessage may be prefaced with a code indicating that a channel source IDwill follow, and that only users authorized for that source ID shouldreceive that message.

The message may be automatically accepted or discarded by the user'smessage receipt/display application. That application may be an e-mailapplication, may be part of a program guide, or may be part of any othersuitable application.

The application may be implemented using user equipment in the home suchas a set-top box, or it may be client-server based, with only the clientapplication in the home.

Further features of the invention, its nature and various advantages,will be more apparent from the accompanying drawings and the followingdetailed description of the preferred embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of anillustrative interactive television system in accordance with thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of illustrative user television equipmentin accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3 is schematic diagram of additional illustrative user televisionequipment in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of illustrative user computer equipment inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of illustrative user equipment inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of illustrative steps involved in providingtargeted messages to users in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing how messages may have associated targetingcriteria in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart of illustrative steps involved in providingtargeted messages to users based on which reminders have been set inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart of illustrative steps involved in providingtargeted messages to users based on which services the user subscribesto in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart of illustrative steps involved in providingtargeted messages to users based on which favorites settings the userhas established in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart of illustrative steps involved in providingtargeted messages to users based on which parental control settings theuser has established in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart of illustrative steps involved in providingtargeted messages to users based on which content the user has selectedfor recording in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart of illustrative steps involved in providingtargeted messages to users based on which products and services the userhas ordered in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart of illustrative steps involved in providingtargeted messages to users based on settings from a television serviceprovider in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

An illustrative interactive television system 10 is shown in FIG. 1. Auser at user equipment 12 may receive television programming and otherservices from television distribution facility 14 over communicationspath 16. Television distribution facility 14 may be a satellitetelevision facility, a cable system headend, a broadcast facility, orany other suitable facility for distributing television programming tothe user. Communications path 16 may be a satellite link, a broadcastlink, a cable link, a fiber-optic link, a combination of such links, orany other suitable link. There may be numerous television distributionfacilities, but only one such facility is shown in FIG. 1 to avoidovercomplicating the drawings.

Television programming may be provided over path 16 using any suitableapproach. For example, television programming may be provided as analogtelevision signals, as digital streams, or as a combination of analogsignals and digital streams.

An interactive television program guide may be implemented using userequipment 12. For example, an interactive television program guide maybe implemented on user equipment 12. If desired, the interactivetelevision program guide may be implemented using a client-server ordistributed architecture in which user equipment 12 acts as the clientprocessor and servers or other computing equipment such as server 18 actas one or more server processors.

Program guide data for the program guide application (e.g., programlistings, program descriptions, etc.) may be provided to the programguide for storage in a program guide database. Such a database may bemaintained on a server such as server 18 or on user equipment 12 or anyother suitable location. Program guide data and other data used by theprogram guide may be distributed using any suitable data distributiontechnique. For example, if the program guide application is implementedusing user equipment 12, program guide data may be distributed to userequipment 12 in the television vertical blanking interval, on asideband, using a separate data path from the televison signal or aseparable data stream, etc. Computer 19, server 18, and server 28preferably include a processor to handle information distribution tasks.

User equipment 12 preferably includes a processor to handle tasksassociated with implementing a program guide application. User equipment12 may connect to the Internet or other suitable communications network24 via path 16, television distribution facility 14, and path 26. Path26 may be any suitable communications path, such as a cable link, asatellite link, a fiber-optic link, telephone link, wireless link, orany other such path or combination of such paths.

User equipment 12 may also connect to communications network 24 overlink 27, which may be any suitable communications path, such as a cablelink, a satellite link, a fiber-optic link, or any other such path orcombination of such paths.

Regardless of how user equipment 12 connects to communications network24, user equipment 12 may receive content from computers such as server18, server 28, and computer 19. For example, user equipment 12 maysupport a web browser that allows the user to view web pages or the likeor an e-mail or other messaging application that allows the user toreceive messages. If desired, the user may view web pages that arestored on server 18 using a web browser.

Applications other than web browser applications and e-mail applicationsmay also be used to obtain content and access services from computerssuch as server 18, server 28, and computer 19. Suitable applicationsinclude interactive program guide applications, home shoppingapplications, home banking applications, video-on-demand applications,etc. E-mail applications and web browser capabilities may beincorporated into such applications and program guide applications ifdesired. A common navigation shell may be used to provide access to theapplications if desired.

Servers such as servers 18 and 28 may be associated with Internetservice providers, program guide providers, application providers, cablesystem operators, broadcast or satellite television operators, etc.Computer 19 may be associated with an interactive television applicationprovider.

If desired, program schedule information may be provided to userequipment 12 from computer 19 of program guide data source 20 usingcommunications path 30, communications network 24, and communicationspath 27. Communications path 30 may be any suitable communications path,such as a wired link, a satellite link, a fiber-optic link, or any othersuch path or combination of such paths.

Users may use various types of user equipment to receive televisionprogramming from television distribution facility 14 and to receivemessages and access services such as interactive television programguides and non-program-guide applications. For example, user equipmentmay be based on user television equipment such as a set-top box and atelevision. User equipment may also be based on a personal computer. Ifdesired, user equipment arrangements may be based on personal computertelevisions (PC/TVs) and WebTV boxes.

Illustrative user television equipment 32 is shown in FIG. 2. Each settop box 34 preferably contains a processor to handle tasks associatedwith implementing a program guide application on set top box 34. Set topbox 34 is typically connected to a television 38 or other displaydevice. Set-top box 34 may receive television programming and data atline or input 35. Set-top box 34 may have analog and digital televisiontuning circuitry for handling analog and digital television signals.Television signals may be passed to videocassette recorder 36 or anyother suitable recording device for recording. Set-top box 34 may alsocontrol the operation of videocassette recorder 36. For example, set-topbox 34 may issue infrared commands that are received by videocassetterecorder 36 at the same inputs at which standard remote control commandsare received.

Videocassette recorder 36 may be connected to television 38. Televisionprogramming and graphic display screens generated by applicationsimplemented using set-top box 34 may be passed from set-top box 34 totelevision 38 through videocassette recorder 36. If desired,videocassette recorder 36 may be omitted.

Set-top box 34 has memory and processing circuitry. This allows set-topbox 34 to be used to implement applications that support an interactivetelevision program guide, web browsing and Internet access, e-mail andother messaging services, and other services such as home shopping, homebanking, and video-on-demand services, etc.

A remote control 40 such as an infrared remote control may be used tocontrol set-top box 34, videocassette recorder 36, and television 38.Remote control 40 may have buttons 42 such as a power button, right,left, up, and down arrow keys, an OK or select key, a favorites or favkey, a lock or parental control key, a record key, etc.

Illustrative user television equipment 44 based on a digital videorecorder 46 is shown in FIG. 3. Digital video recorder 46 may receivetelevision programming and may access interactive services using line orinput 48. Digital video recorder 46 may have analog and digital tuningcircuitry to receive and process television signals. Digital videorecorder 46 may be used to record television programs in any suitableformat. For example, digital videos may be stored using the MPEG-2format.

Recorded videos or real-time videos from input 48 may be displayed ontelevision 50 or any other suitable monitor. A remote control 52 such asan infrared remote control may be used to control digital video recorder46 and television 50. Remote control 52 may have buttons such as a powerbutton, right, left, up, and down arrow keys, an OK or select key, afavorites or fav key, a lock or parental control key, a record key, etc.

Digital video recorder 46 has memory and processing circuitry thatallows digital video recorder 46 to be used to implement applicationsthat support an interactive television program guide, web browsing andInternet access, e-mail and other messaging services, and other servicessuch as home shopping, home banking, and video-on-demand services, etc.Television programming and display screens generated by interactiveapplications may be displayed on television 50.

Illustrative user computer equipment 54 is shown in FIG. 4. Usercomputer equipment 54 may be based on a personal computer 56 or anyother suitable computing device. A personal computer with televisioncapabilities will hereinafter be referred to as personal computer 56.Each personal computer 56 preferably contains a processor to handletasks associated with implementing a program guide application onpersonal computer 56. Personal computer 56 is typically connected to amonitor 62 or other display device. Personal computer 56 may receivetelevision programing and information for interactive services usingline or input 58. Personal computer 56 may contain a tuner card or othersuitable circuitry for handling analog and digital television signals.Personal computer 56 may also contain memory and processing circuitrythat allows personal computer 56 to be used to implement applicationsthat support an interactive television program guide, web browsing andInternet access, e-mail and other messaging services, and other servicessuch as home shopping, home banking, and video-on-demand services, etc.

Television signals and screens generated by interactive applications maybe displayed on monitor 62.

The user may interact with personal computer 56 using any suitable userinput interface, such as keyboard 63, a pointing device such as atrackball, mouse, or touch pad, a voice recognition system, ahandwriting recognition system, etc. If desired, the user may interactwith personal computer 56 using a wireless remote control such as remotecontrol 64. Remote control 64 may be, for example, an infrared remotecontrol.

User equipment 12 such as user television equipment 32 or 44 of FIGS. 2and 3 and user computer equipment 54 of FIG. 4 may communicate withcommunications network 24 and television distribution facility 14 andother facilities using telephone modems, cable modems, digitalsubscriber line (DSL) modems, integrated digital services network (ISDN)modems, wireless communications circuitry, or any other suitablecommunications circuitry.

A generalized schematic diagram of user equipment 12 of FIG. 1 is shownin FIG. 5. Control circuitry 66 and memory and storage 70 may havecommunications and memory and processing circuitry for supportingfunctions such as receiving television programming and e-mail and othermessages and accessing interactive services over line 68. Line 68 mayconnect to communications paths such as paths 16 and 27 of FIG. 1.Videos may be stored in storage 70. Television programming and text,graphics, and video associated with interactive services may bepresented to the user with display 72. Display 72 may be a television, acomputer monitor, or any other suitable display equipment.

The user may interact with control circuitry 66 using any suitable userinput interface 74, such as a remote control, a keyboard, a wirelesskeyboard, a display remote, a handheld computer, a mouse, a trackball, atouch pad, or any other suitable input device.

Program listings information may be provided to the user with userequipment 12. For example, an interactive television program guide thatis implemented using user equipment 12 may be used to display variousscreens of program listings organized by time, by television channel, bytime and channel (e.g., in the form of a grid or the like), etc.

Program guide data sources such as program guide data source 20 maydistribute television program listings to multiple televisiondistribution facilities. Only one such television distribution facility14 is shown in FIG. 1 to avoid overcomplicating the drawings. Eachtelevision distribution facility may have a different channel lineup.Moreover, each user associated with a given television distributionfacility may subscribe to different channels. Users may also set varioussettings in program guides or other applications.

If desired, the information on which services the user subscribes to,the reminders that the user has set, information on the favoritessettings of the user, information on the user's parental controlsettings, information on which content the user has set for recording,information on which products and services (e.g., pay-per-view programs)the user has ordered, and other such information may be stored in userequipment 12. In another suitable approach, the information may bestored on a remote computer such as server 18, server 28, or computer19. Servers such as server 18 are associated with the televisiondistribution facility from which the user receives televisionprogramming. If a program guide or other interactive televisionapplication is implemented using a client-server arrangement involvinguser equipment 12 and server 18, the information may be stored at server18 by a client-server application. If server 28 supports an on-lineprogram guide, the information may be stored at server 28 by the on-lineprogram guide. Any other suitable approach or a combination of suchapproaches may also be used.

The interactive television application provider or television serviceprovider such as a cable system operator at television distributionfacility 14 may send targeted messages to users at user equipment 12.The interactive television application provider may be a program guideprovider at program guide data source 12, or any other suitable serviceprovider (e.g., an e-mail service provider, a shopping serviceprovider). The targeted messages may be based on the services to whichthe user subscribes, may be based on which products and services theuser orders, may be based on which settings the user has established inthe program guide or other application, or may be based on any othersuitable criteria.

Some of the settings that the user may establish in an interactiveprogram guide include settings related to parental controls (e.g.,whether certain channels or programs have been locked), favorites orpreferences (e.g., whether the user has informed the program guide ofthe user's preferences in certain channels, programs, categories ofprogramming, etc.), recording (e.g., whether certain programs have beenselected for automatic recording by the program guide), and reminders(e.g., whether the user has directed the program guide to remind theuser when a particular television program is about to begin). These aremerely illustrative examples. The user may establish any suitablesettings using an interactive television program guide. Moreover, theuser may establish settings using other interactive televisionapplications such as e-mail applications, home banking applications,video-on-demand applications, etc.

The filtering process that occurs when comparing the targeting criteriawith each user's information may be performed at user equipment 12 ormay be performed at any other suitable location within the messagedistribution path. For example, messages may be filtered at televisiondistribution facilities such as television distribution facility 14,etc.

Any of these settings or other such information may be used as criteriafor distributing targeted messages to users. Illustrative steps involvedin distributing targeted messages to users are shown in FIG. 6. At step76, the program guide provider, television service provider, or anyother service provider may be provided with an opportunity to createtargeted messages. For example, a message creation tool implemented oncomputer 19, server 18, or server 28 may be used to create messages.Messages may promote services, may provide last-minute schedule changes,etc. Messages may be created automatically by the message creation tooland targeted toward various classes of users. If desired, messages maybe created with input from personnel at the program guide provider ortelevision service provider.

At step 78, the messages are distributed to users. For example, messagesmay be sent to users from a program guide provider at program guide datasource 20 via path 30, communications network 24, and path 27, via path30, communications network 24, path 26, television distribution facility14, and path 16, or via path 22, television distribution facility 14,and path 16. Messages may be sent to users from a television serviceprovider at television distribution facility 14 via path 16 or via path26, communications network 24, and path 27.

At step 80, the user equipment 12 may be used to compare stored userinformation with criteria that are associated with the message. If thecriteria are satisfied, the messages may be presented to the user atstep 81. The message may be presented in the form of a message deliveredto the user's e-mail in-box, as a pop-up overlay on top of the contentbeing displayed on user equipment 12, or using any other suitabletechnique.

In comparing the targeting criteria to the stored user information atstep 80, boolean logic terms (e.g., NOT, AND, OR, etc.) may be used. Forexample, a message may be targeted to all users who subscribe to (HBO orTBS) but NOT (SHO or TMC). Ranges may also be used. For example, amessage may be targeted to all users who have set reminders for programsscheduled to start after 7:00 PM. Multiple criteria may need to besatisfied. For example, messages may be targeted to all users who haveHBO AND who have SHO set as a favorite.

An example of a targeted message is shown in FIG. 7. Message 82 maycontain a message body 84, which may contain text, graphics, audio, orvideo. Message 82 may also contain message targeting criteria 86.Message 82 is distributed to user equipment 12 where targeting criteria86 are compared with data such as program guide data. Program guide datamay include reminder list 88.

In the example of FIG. 7, message 82 has been provided with targetingcriteria based on reminders. In particular, the criteria R(7:00, 13)specifies that the reminder is directed toward users who have a reminderset for channel 13 at 7:00. If desired, the channel number may be asource identifier (ID) that uniquely specifies which the televisionservice of interest. Such a source ID may be used in program guide datasource 20 to globally identify different sources of programming.

Regardless of how the channel information is specified, the informationmay be compared with the information in the user's reminder list 88.This allows the program guide, e-mail reader, or other suitableapplication at user equipment 12 to determine whether the user has set areminder for the designated time and channel. In the example of FIG. 7,the targeted message may be presented to the user, because the user hasset a reminder (reminder No. 1) for 7:00 on channel 13.

Illustrative steps involved in providing messages to users based onreminders settings are shown in FIG. 8. At step 90, the user may beprovided with an opportunity to set a reminder. Such reminders mayinclude a reminder for a television program, a web reminder for a webcast, a web reminder for a chat session, a banking reminder, or anyother suitable reminder. For example, a program listings grid may bedisplayed on user equipment 12 that contains program listings forvarious channels and times. The user may scroll through the programlistings to locate a future program of interest using a highlight regionor the like. When the user has highlighted a program of interest, theuser may press an OK key on a remote control. This directs the programguide to provide the user with on-screen options that allow the user toset a reminder. Information on which reminders have been set by the usermay be stored in user equipment 12, server 18, server 28, computer 19,any other suitable device, or a combination thereof.

At step 92, the program guide provider, television service provider, orany other provider may use a message creation tool to automatically ormanually generate targeted messages to be delivered to the user. Forexample, a message may be created that promotes a new television programthat is expected to be popular to users who enjoy program Z. The messagemay be targeted to users who have set reminders for program Z. Asanother example, a message may be created that includes information on alast-minute schedule change for program Z. The message may be targetedto users who have set reminders for program Z.

At step 94, the message may be distributed to users. For example, themessage may be sent to users from a program guide provider at programguide data source 20 via path 30, communications network 24, and path27, via path 30, communications network 24, path 26, televisiondistribution facility 14, and path 16, or via path 22, televisiondistribution facility 14, and path 16. Messages may be sent to usersfrom a television service provider at television distribution facility14 via path 16 or via path 26, communications network 24, and path 27.

At step 96, the program guide or other suitable interactive televisionapplication or the like may compare the targeting criteria from message82 with stored user information by the interactive televisionapplication or other application in user equipment 12, server 18, server28, computer 19, any other suitable device, or a combination thereof. Inparticular, the targeted message criteria may be compared withinformation in the user's reminder list 88 or other such file or datastructure stored by the interactive television program guide or anyother suitable application. If the targeted message criteria aresatisfied, the message may be displayed on user equipment 12 at step 98.

Illustrative steps involved in providing messages to users based onparticular services to which the user subscribes are shown in FIG. 9.Such services may include television channels, shopping web sites, etc.At step 100, the user may be provided with an opportunity to subscribeto certain services. For example, a cable operator or other televisionservice provider may provide on-screen options that allow the user toorder television services (e.g., premium television channels or packagesof premium television channels) through a program guide implemented onuser equipment 12. Television services may also be ordered on-line orover the telephone. Information on which services have been subscribedto may be stored on user equipment 12, server 18, server 28, computer19, any other suitable device, or a combination thereof.

At step 102, the program guide provider, television service provider, orany other provider may use a message creation tool to automatically ormanually generate targeted messages to be delivered to the user. Forexample, a message promoting channel X may be created for allsubscribers of channel Y who do not subscribe to channel X.

At step 104, the message may be distributed to users. For example, themessage may be sent to users from a program guide provider at programguide data source 20 via path 30, communications network 24, and path27, via path 30, communications network 24, path 26, televisiondistribution facility 14, and path 16, or via path 22, televisiondistribution facility 14, and path 16. Messages may be sent to usersfrom a television service provider at television distribution facility14 via path 16 or via path 26, communications network 24, and path 27.

At step 106, the program guide or other suitable interactive televisionapplication or the like may compare the targeting criteria from themessage with stored user information by the interactive televisionapplication or other application in user equipment 12, server 18, server28, computer 19, any other suitable device, or a combination thereof. Inparticular, the targeted message criteria may be compared withinformation that indicates which television channels the user subscribesto. This type of information may, if desired, be maintained by theprogram guide, by the television service provider, or any other suitableprovider. If the targeted message criteria are satisfied, the messagemay be displayed on user equipment 12 at step 108.

Illustrative steps involved in providing messages to users based onfavorite channel settings, favorite program settings, favorite websites, and other favorites settings are shown in FIG. 10. At step 110,the user may be provided with an opportunity to set favorites. Forexample, the interactive television program guide may provide the userwith on-screen lists of programs and channels. If the user highlights adesired channel or program and presses a remote control “favorites” key,the program guide will set that channel or program as a favorite. Theuser may also respond to on-screen prompts such as “set this program asa favorite?” or the like. If desired, preferences or favorites may beestablished for certain genres or categories of programming. Informationon the user's favorites settings may be stored on user equipment 12(e.g., by the program guide), server 18, server 28, computer 19, anyother suitable device, or a combination thereof.

At step 112, the program guide provider, television service provider, orany other provider may use a message creation tool to automatically ormanually generate targeted messages to be delivered to the user. Forexample, a message promoting channel X may be created for allsubscribers who have set channel Y as a favorite, but have not setchannel X as a favorite.

At step 114, the message may be distributed to users. For example, themessage may be sent to users from a program guide provider at programguide data source 20 via path 30, communications network 24, and path27, via path 30, communications network 24, path 26, televisiondistribution facility 14, and path 16, or via path 22, televisiondistribution facility 14, and path 16. Messages may be sent to usersfrom a television service provider at television distribution facility14 via path 16 or via path 26, communications network 24, and path 27.

At step 116, the program guide or other suitable interactive televisionapplication or the like may compare the targeting criteria from themessage with stored user information by the interactive televisionapplication or other application in user equipment 12, server 18, server28, computer 19, any other suitable device, or a combination thereof. Inparticular, the targeted message criteria may be compared withinformation that indicates which favorites settings the user has made inthe interactive television program guide or other application thatsupports favorites. This type of information may, if desired, bemaintained by the program guide. If the targeted message criteria aresatisfied, the message may be displayed on user equipment 12 at step118.

Illustrative steps involved in providing messages to users based onparental control settings are shown in FIG. 11. At step 120, the usermay be provided with an opportunity to set parental controls. Forexample, the interactive television program guide may provide the userwith on-screen lists of programs and channels. If the user highlights adesired channel or program and presses a remote control “lock” key, theprogram guide will lock that channel or program. A subsequent viewermust provide the correct personal identification number (PIN) to unlockthe locked programming. Programs may also be locked by responding toon-screen options. Such options may be provided, for example, by aprogram guide when the user requests additional information using aremote control “info” key. If desired, genres of programming may belocked or programming may be locked based on parental guidance ratings(e.g., TV-Y, TV-G, TV-MA, R, NC-17, etc.). As another example, shoppingweb sites, genres of web sites, or any other web site or other type ofcontent may also be locked. Information on the user's parental controlsettings (e.g., which programs, channels, genres of programming,ratings, etc. have been locked) may be stored on user equipment 12(e.g., by the program guide), server 18, server 28, computer 19, anyother suitable device, or a combination thereof.

At step 122, the program guide provider, television service provider, orany other provider may use a message creation tool to automatically ormanually generate targeted messages to be delivered to the user. Forexample, a message promoting channel X or promoting a pay-per-viewprogram may be created for all subscribers who have not blockedprogramming with a TV-MA or R rating.

At step 124, the message may be distributed to users. For example, themessage may be sent to users from a program guide provider at programguide data source 20 via path 30, communications network 24, and path27, via path 30, communications network 24, path 26, televisiondistribution facility 14, and path 16, or via path 22, televisiondistribution facility 14, and path 16. Messages may be sent to usersfrom a television service provider at television distribution facility14 via path 16 or via path 26, communications network 24, and path 27.

At step 126, the program guide or other suitable interactive televisionapplication or the like may compare the targeting criteria from themessage with stored user information by the interactive televisionapplication or other application in user equipment 12, server 18, server28, computer 19, any other suitable device, or a combination thereof. Inparticular, the targeted message criteria may be compared withinformation on the parental control settings that the user hasestablished using an interactive program guide or other interactivetelevision application. This type of information may, if desired, bemaintained by the program guide. If the targeted message criteria aresatisfied, the message may be displayed on user equipment 12 at step128.

Illustrative steps involved in providing messages to users based onwhich content the user has selected for recording are shown in FIG. 12.Content may include television programs, web casts, chat sessions, orany other suitable content. At step 130, the user may be provided withan opportunity to set certain content to be recorded. For example, theinteractive television program guide may provide the user with on-screenlists of programs and channels. If the user highlights a desired channelor program and presses a remote control “record” key, the program guidemay set a timed recording for that program. At the designated time, theprogram guide may record the selected program using videocassetterecorder 36 (FIG. 2), digital video recorder 46 (FIG. 3), storage inpersonal computer 56 (FIG. 4), memory and storage 70 (FIG. 5), or othersuitable user equipment 12. If desired, programs may also be recordedusing remote equipment such as server 18, server 28, or computer 19.Programs may also be recorded by responding to on-screen options. Suchoptions may be provided, for example, by a program guide when the userrequests additional information for a program using a remote control“info” key. Information on the user's recording settings (e.g., whichprograms have been set for recording) may be stored on user equipment 12(e.g., by the program guide), server 18, server 28, computer 19, anyother suitable device, or a combination thereof.

At step 132, the program guide provider, television service provider, orany other provider may use a message creation tool to automatically ormanually generate targeted messages to be delivered to the user. Forexample, a message promoting program X may be created for allsubscribers who have set program Y to be recorded.

At step 134, the message may be distributed to users. For example, themessage may be sent to users from a program guide provider at programguide data source 20 via path 30, communications network 24, and path27, via path 30, communications network 24, path 26, televisiondistribution facility 14, and path 16, or via path 22, televisiondistribution facility 14, and path 16. Messages may be sent to usersfrom a television service provider at television distribution facility14 via path 16 or via path 26, communications network 24, and path 27.

At step 136, the program guide or other suitable interactive televisionapplication or the like may compare the targeting criteria from themessage with stored user information by the interactive televisionapplication or other application in user equipment 12, server 18, server28, computer 19, any other suitable device, or a combination thereof. Inparticular, the targeted message criteria may be compared withinformation on the recording settings that the user has establishedusing an interactive program guide or other interactive televisionapplication. This type of information may, if desired, be maintained bythe program guide. If the targeted message criteria are satisfied, themessage may be displayed on user equipment 12 at step 138.

Illustrative steps involved in providing messages to users based onwhich products and services the user has ordered are shown in FIG. 13.Products and services may include pay-per-view events, program packages(e.g., all football games on pay-per-view), merchandise (e.g.,clothing), etc. At step 140, the user may be provided with anopportunity to order products or services. For example, the interactivetelevision program guide may provide the user with on-screen lists ofprograms and channels. If the user highlights a desired pay-per-viewprogram and presses a remote control “OK” key, the program guide mayprovide on-screen options that allow the user to order the pay-per-viewprogram. Information on which pay-per-view programs the user has orderedmay be stored on user equipment 12 (e.g., by the program guide), server18, server 28, computer 19, any other suitable device, or a combinationthereof. When the user desires to order any products and services, thesystem may direct the request via communications network 24 (e.g., theInternet) or any other suitable communications path to an appropriatevendor.

At step 142, the program guide provider, television service provider, orany other provider may use a message creation tool to automatically ormanually generate targeted messages to be delivered to the user. Forexample, a message promoting pay-per-view program X may be created forall subscribers who have ordered pay-per-view program Y.

At step 144, the message may be distributed to users. For example, themessage may be sent to users from a program guide provider at programguide data source 20 via path 30, communications network 24, and path27, via path 30, communications network 24, path 26, televisiondistribution facility 14, and path 16, or via path 22, televisiondistribution facility 14, and path 16. Messages may be sent to usersfrom a television service provider at television distribution facility14 via path 16 or via path 26, communications network 24, and path 27.

At step 146, the program guide or other suitable interactive televisionapplication or the like may compare the targeting criteria from themessage with stored user information by the interactive televisionapplication or other application in user equipment 12 (e.g., by theprogram guide), server 18, server 28, computer 19, any other suitabledevice, or a combination thereof. In particular, the targeted messagecriteria may be compared with information on which pay-per-view eventsthe user has ordered using an interactive program guide or otherinteractive television application. This type of information may, ifdesired, be maintained by the program guide. If the targeted messagecriteria are satisfied, the message may be displayed on user equipment12 at step 148.

In another approach, messages may be used by a program guide or otherapplication based on television service provider settings. Thetelevision service provider may enable the user equipment to receivesome services, but not others. For example, the user equipment may beenabled to receive a certain lineup of television channels, which isdifferent than the channel lineup of user equipment used by other users.The user equipment may be enabled to access certain interactiveapplications or have other features that are not available to all users.Messages may be targeted based on such television service providersettings, so that, for example, messages may be not displayed to usersnot having access to related features. For example, a message may informthe user of last minute schedule changes on a particular televisionchannel, and may be targeted to only those users who have that channelin their channel lineups. Users who do not have access to the particularchannel need not be notified of such changes.

Illustrative steps involved in providing messages to users based onsettings from a television service provider are shown in FIG. 14. Atstep 150, the program guide provider, television service provider, orany other provider may use a message creation tool to automatically ormanually generate targeted messages to be delivered to the user. Forexample, a message presenting a schedule change for channel X may becreated for all subscribers who have access to channel X.

At step 152, the message may be distributed to users. For example, themessage may be sent to users from a program guide provider at programguide data source 20 via path 30, communications network 24, and path27, via path 30, communications network 24, path 26, televisiondistribution facility 14, and path 16, or via path 22, televisiondistribution facility 14, and path 16. Messages may be sent to usersfrom a television service provider at television distribution facility14 via path 16 or via path 26, communications network 24, and path 27.

At step 154, the program guide or other suitable interactive televisionapplication or the like may compare the targeting criteria from themessage with stored user information by the interactive televisionapplication or other application in user equipment 12, server 18, server28, computer 19, any other suitable device, or a combination thereof. Inparticular, the targeted message criteria may be compared with storeduser information from the television service provider. This type ofinformation may, if desired, be maintained by the program guide. If thetargeted message criteria are satisfied, the message may be displayed onuser equipment 12 at step 156.

Thus, systems and methods for distributing and using electronic messagesin an interactive television environment are provided. The foregoing ismerely illustrative of the principles of this invention and variousmodifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departingfrom the scope and spirit of the invention.

1. A method for providing a targeted message to a user of an interactivetelevision application, comprising: receiving at user equipment amessage distributed from a first location, the message having associatedtargeting criteria related to particular programming content; comparingthe targeting criteria to user information stored on the user equipmentto determine whether the user has access to the particular programmingcontent; and presenting the message to the user if the user does nothave access to the particular programming content.
 2. The method definedin claim 1 wherein the message is distributed through the Internet or atelevision distribution facility.
 3. The method defined in claim 1wherein the message is distributed through the Internet and a televisiondistribution facility.
 4. The method defined in claim 1 wherein thepresenting the message comprises presenting the message using a set-topbox.
 5. The method defined in claim 1 wherein the presenting the messagecomprises presenting the message using a digital video recorder.
 6. Themethod defined in claim 1 further comprising: using the interactivetelevision application to set a reminder based upon user input; andcomparing the targeting criteria to stored user information relating tothe reminder.
 7. The method defined in claim 1 further comprising: usingthe interactive television application to set a favorite setting; andcomparing the targeting criteria to stored user information relating tothe favorite setting.
 8. The method defined in claim 1 furthercomprising: using the interactive television application to set aparental control; and comparing the targeting criteria to stored userinformation relating to the parental control.
 9. The method defined inclaim 1 further comprising: using the interactive television applicationto select content for recording; and comparing the targeting criteria tostored user information relating to the content that is selected forrecording.
 10. The method defined in claim 1 further comprisingproviding the message from an interactive television applicationprovider or a television service provider.
 11. The method defined inclaim 1 further comprising: comparing the targeting criteria to thestored user information to determine whether the user has access tofurther programming content; and presenting the message to the user ifthe user has access to the further programming content.
 12. The methoddefined in claim 1 further comprising presenting the user with an optionto order the particular programming content.
 13. A method for providinga targeted message to a user of an interactive television application,comprising: creating a message having associated targeting criteriarelated to particular programming content at a first location; anddistributing the message along with the targeting criteria from thefirst location to user equipment, wherein: the targeting criteria iscompared to user information stored on the user equipment to determinewhether the user has access to the particular programming content, andthe message is presented to the user if the user does not have access tothe particular programming content.
 14. The method defined in claim 13,wherein the distributing the message along with the targeting criteriacomprises providing the message from an interactive televisionapplication provider or a television service provider.
 15. A system forproviding a targeted message to a user of an interactive televisionapplication, comprising: a first processor that creates a message havingassociated targeting criteria related to particular programming contentand that causes the message to be distributed along with the targetingcriteria to the user; and user equipment that compares the targetingcriteria with stored user information to determine whether the user hasaccess to the particular programming content, and that causes themessage to be presented to the user if the user does not have access tothe particular programming content.
 16. The system defined in claim 15wherein the first processor is part of a television distributionfacility.
 17. The system defined in claim 15 wherein the first processoralso causes the message to be distributed through the Internet.
 18. Thesystem defined in claim 15 wherein the user equipment comprises aset-top box.
 19. The system defined in claim 15 wherein the userequipment comprises a digital video recorder.
 20. The system defined inclaim 15 wherein the user equipment also sets a reminder based upon userinput and compares the targeting criteria to stored user informationrelating to the reminder.
 21. The system defined in claim 15 wherein thesecond processor also sets a favorites setting based upon user input andcompares the targeting criterion to stored user information relating tothe favorites setting.
 22. The system defined in claim 15 wherein theuser equipment also sets a parental control based upon user input andcompares the targeting criterion to stored user information relating tothe parental control.
 23. The system defined in claim 15 wherein theuser equipment also selects content for recording based upon user inputand compares the targeting criterion to stored user information relatingto the content for recording.
 24. The system defined in claim 15 whereinthe first processor is part of an interactive television applicationprovider or a television service provider.
 25. The system defined inclaim 15 wherein the user equipment also compares the targeting criteriato the stored user information to determine whether the user has accessto further programming content, and causes the message to be presentedto the user if the user has access to the further programming content.26. The system defined in claim 15 wherein the user equipment alsoprovides the user with an option to order the particular programmingcontent.